Volunteer

Join Us!

The Animal Center needs volunteer help every day. Volunteers are welcome at the main Center on Division Street and at the Village on Bearden Hill as well as throughout the year at special events. All potential volunteers will need to complete a Volunteer Application.

Requirements:

Be at least 16 years old

Attend a volunteer orientation

Donate at least eight (8) hours each month to the animals for a minimum of 6 months

Pay a one-time $30 volunteer program fee to cover the cost of name tags, shirts, printing (volunteer manual, articles about animal welfare), and other program expenses

Volunteer on a set schedule of your choosing

Volunteer Orientation

The Volunteer Orientation is required prior to volunteering at Young-Williams Animal Center. At the orientation, volunteers are expected to pay the program fee and provide the Volunteer Coordinator with requests for areas they are most interested in. We will also require a schedule of availability.

Example Duties:

Clean Kennels and Cages

Greet Visitors

Walk and Socialize Dogs

Answer Phones

Assist with Fundraising and Special Events

Assist with Administrative Duties

Assist with Educational and Outreach Programs

Assist Photographer with Animal Handling

Foster Animals (short-term and long-term)

Volunteer Signup

Short-term Volunteering

We offer short-term volunteering opportunities for community service, TN Promise, etc. Please note, these volunteer opportunities are for basic but important tasks that help our operations run smoothly (laundry, sweeping/mopping, organizing supplies, yard work, etc.), however, no direct animal care tasks are available through short-term volunteering. Please contact the center to sign up by e-mailing animalcenter@young-williams.org

Volunteering is a commitment but it`s
also a lot of fun! I started volunteering at YWAC two years ago as a dog walker, now I am a member of Dogs Playing For Life. It’s a blast to watch the dogs playing and socializing during the DPFL playgroups.I simply can`t think of a better way to start my weekends!

- Olga K.

I began volunteering at Young-Williams
in 2008, right after I retired from TVA. I’ve learned so much from my colleagues about dogs and their play styles. And there is no better feeling in the world than seeing a scared dog come out of her shell and begin playing with other dogs.

-Theresa F.

I have been volunteering with Young Williams for 2 years. I come from a family of dog lovers, and we have 2 rescues at home... When I put a leash on a dog at YW he gets so excited to get to spend a few minutes outside with me!